Marten Driver Honored as Wisconsin Driver of the Year

Two company drivers recognized for montlhy awards during annual WMCA banquet

GREEN LAKE, Wis. -- Marten Transport, Ltd. driver Vern Jahsman has been named 2004 Wisconsin Driver of the Year by the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association. Jahsman, who was recognized as “Driver of the Month” during August, received the honor, along with a $1,000 savings bond, a jacketand a belt buckle at the groups annual banquet held at the Heidel House Resort on Feb. 26. Another Marten Transport driver, Tim Setterlund, was honored at the event after being named “Driver of the Month for May, 2004. Setterlund, who lives with his wife Pam in Durand, has driven for Marten Transport for 22 years, racking up more then two million miles without an accident or violation. He is a member of the WMCA President’s Safe Driver Club and participates in the Highway Watch program and the Wisconsin Truck Driving Championships.

“We are very proud of both Vern and Tim,” said Marten Transport Director of Human Resources Susan Deetz. “It’s drivers like them that have helped us become one of the most successful and consistently safe companies in the trucking industry.”

Jahsman, who lives in Appleton with his wife Judy, has driven for Marten Transport for the last seven years. During his 27-year driving career, he has logged nearly 3.5 million miles with no crashes or violations. In addition to his outstanding driving record, Jahsman has earned the respect of customers and colleagues for his commitment to helping others. He regularly contributes time and money to organizations such as the Humane Society, the Salvation Army and Goodwill. When not on the road, Jahsman enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. He has four children, two stepchildren, thirteen grandchildren and four step-grandchildren.

Marten Transport placed second in the 100-plus million miles division of the Truckload Carriers Association’s National Fleet Safety Awards Program announced in February. The company is a finalist for the TCA’s Grand Prize for Safety which will be awarded in Las Vegas next week.

To be nominated for Driver of the Month, a driver must be a resident of Wisconsin or be based out of a terminal located in the state. A driver must also be employed by a member of the WMCA (a nonprofit trade Association based in Madison which represents commercial motor vehicle users). Selections for Driver of the Month are based on a drivers’ safety record, outstanding service and/or acts of heroism, length of service, community service and performance of daily duties.

< Back